Pupils getting ready to rock

Things are starting to get very exciting at Longside School as pupils make their final preparations for the school’s Junior Rock Challenge debut.

The competition will come to the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Sunday, March 26.

Longside pupils have been working hard since they started rehearsing for ‘When good toys go bad…’ back in January.

The story tells a tale of two children who just can’t get along, opening up an old toy chest and watching as the toys comes to life, but it seems some toy are determined to cause chaos and mischief along the way.

The children have learned routine after routine, and are now starting to see what is meant by a ‘natural high’ from seeing a performance through from start to finish.

Depute head teacher, Mike Taylor, said: “I am so excited to see their faces light up first with nerves, then sheer joy and delight as the lights come up on them as they perform to a packed AECC.

“They have thoroughly enjoyed working with both myself and a small group of seniors from Peterhead Academy.

“They have explored stage-craft skills and how the set, props and sound effects can bring a performance to life and tell a story.

“In the spirit of the competition, the children are just as excited to see many other local schools perform and cheer them on from the audience – many of the children have friends in other schools who are performing on the night.

“The whole school community have really got behind the group, with the children across the school taking part in a sponsored activity morning to fundraise, in addition to the overwhelming support of our parent forum and staff body who have raised a phenomenal amount of money, designed and made costumes, styled and created hair and makeup looks and supported this project every step of the way.

“I can’t quite express how grateful I am to each and every one of them.”

Mr Taylor added: “I am delighted that our school is providing opportunities for those who may not engage with ‘traditional’ sports.

“I am confident that our children have had a fantastic time exploring, rehearsing and preparing for the big performance, and no matter the outcome on the day I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our young people and all they have achieved.”